Database Of Unclaimed Estates

Bona Vacantia or 'empty goods'

Many individuals die without leaving a will (or intestate as it is called) and who have no known kin. When this happens the estate (any property, money or goods) will ultimately pass to the Crown. That means the estates will be administered by an official and the value eventually ends up in the Government's coffers.

This phenomenon is know as "Bona Vacantia" in legal terms, which literally means "empty assets". The Government have a duty to advertise these estates to attempt to find a more rightful heir (i.e. a family member) who would have priority over the Crown

Recently the Government has made these estates available in digital format - so we have made them easily searchable. Search thousands of estate records by name, place of death or birth or by reporting body.

If you have more up to date information on an individual please use the feedback form on each page to update the listing.

If you think you may be related to, or know someone who is related to the deceased the use the contact form on each listing to advise us.